Abstract

Ononis L. species have been used for healing of wounds, eczema and rheumatic complaints, against skin cancer and lesions and topically used as antiseptic and antimicrobial agent in folk medicine. In the present study, the aqueous and methanolic extracts of three endemic Ononis species growing in Turkey, including Ononis sessilifolia Bornm., Ononis basiadnata Hub.-Mor. and Ononis macrosperma Hub.-Mor. were assessed for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities. In vivo wound healing activities of the plants were evaluated by using linear incision and circular excision experimental models subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol(®), which contains 1% extract of Centella asiatica. In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts of O. macrosperma demonstrated the highest activity in both wound models and significant anti-inflammatory activity in acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability test. Furthermore, ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of O. sessilifolia showed anti-inflammatory effect but was devoid of wound healing activity. The rest of the species did not show remarkable wound healing effect. Ethyl acetate fraction of O. macrosperma ethanolic extract demonstrated significant but reduced wound healing activity, which revealed a possible combined effect. The results of histopathological examination supported the outcome of linear incision and circular excision wound models. The experimental study revealed that the aerial parts of O. macrosperma display remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.